EXECUTIVE ORDER 2022-13
In view of recent mass violence, I have tasked my administration to conduct a thorough review of the procedures in place and resources available to determine what action, if any, may be necessary to secure and safeguard our schools. Upon reviewing the recommendations made to me by the state's top law enforcement officials, I have determined the state is underutilizing existing resources and law enforcement should enhance its current training and standards. I will take immediate action to strengthen the state's response in this regard by implementing Mission: Secure Oklahoma Schools (S.O.S.). Children deserve to be safe in school. School personnel deserve to be safe in school. Parents and guardians deserve to know their child is safe in school. As a father of six, I, too, have a personal and vested interest in protecting our schools and keeping our kids safe.
Oklahomans know too well the pain and suffering inflicted by mass violence as experienced on April 19, 1995, a day which forever altered our state and this nation. Although no law can eradicate the evil that inevitably exists in this world, recent events have shown a lack of evolving preparation can have disastrous effects. As leaders, we have a duty to learn lessons from the past and find solutions for a safe and prosperous future.
As governor, I will do everything in my power and to the best of my ability prevent mass violence in our great state. That begins with planning, preparation, training, and providing law enforcement and schools with the tools needed to effectively do their job and keep our communities and schools safe.
Therefore, I, J. Kevin Stitt, Governor of the State of Oklahoma, pursuant to the power and authority vested in me by Sections 1 and 2 of Article VI of the Oklahoma Constitution, and to the fullest extent permitted under Oklahoma law, hereby direct Mission S.O.S. as follows:
Law Enforcement Active Shooter Emergency Response Training
Threat Assessments and Alerts
Copies of this Executive Order shall be distributed to the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Emergency Management, and State Board of Education who shall cause the provisions of this Executive Order to be implemented.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Oklahoma to be affixed at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma this 22nd day of June, 2022.
BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA
J. Kevin Stitt
ATTEST:
Brian Bingman
Secretary of State
Okla. Admin. Code § 1:2022-13